NB8B Melted Headlight Connector!

RJ45 · Postby **RJ45** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 5:06 pm

Just curious, anyone else ever melted a headlight connector?

melted headlight connector.jpg

This started when checking a suspected blown headlight globe and upon touching the connector, it came back to life.
I had a look in the daylight and noticed the connector was oxidised, so I cleaned it with a steelo, as you do when too busy or too lazy to go shopping. But it still went out a few more times, until finally it went out and melted the plastic.

Anyway, has anyone tried aftermarket connectors like this - 9006-HB4-9005-HB3-Female-connectors-connector-HID-Plug-waterproof ?
Or would it be safer to go to a wreckers and chop a connector off?

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Mon Apr 29, 2013 6:23 pm

cannot see the pic but there is nothing wrong with the standard connector design as far as I am aware. The problem will relate to the need for a bit of maintenance and if it has melted it suggests some arcing- going on or off- bad connection. Check with Mazda or see if Bursons or someone else is stocking that type - sure a wrecker is an option but a new one might be quicker and simpler.

timk · Postby **timk** » Fri May 03, 2013 10:44 pm

You can get them from Corollas and Camrys too (around 2004 models).

pezchops · Postby **pezchops** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 9:23 am

this is an old thread, but as it seems a common problem for headlight connectors to melt so i thought i would post a possible permanant fix.

in my NB8B the standard headlight connectors starting to melt and that caused intermittant connection .
the bulbs are standard issue.
once molten plastic runs inside the connectors you can never get good contact again.
i was forever having to wiggle the connectors to get the headlights working

i found ceramic connections available for very cheap and reckon at least the melting problem is over.
probably start blowing fuses now if i have another underlying problem

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 10:46 am

it should not be necessary. Corrosion etc is coming about with age and perhaps the way the car is stored. If the connectors are disconnected and cleaned it should be good until the next periodic inspection. The standard connectors are moulded from a plastic deemed satisfactory for these applications- there are millions in service. It may be possible to smear some anti corrosion agent on the connection points- people can assess that for themselves.

pezchops · Postby **pezchops** » Thu May 01, 2014 8:25 am

true ,but my new car has unknown history and this problem was there when i got it.
the ceramic connectors are 1/6 the price of the OM so i will try them.